Finding ways to overcome gridlock

No Labels is a non-partisan group of concerned citizens from left, right, and center. The "No Budget, No Pay" concept is a central tenet ("Missed opportunity," Jan 25). Congress is required to produce a budget. All we are asking is that they take no pay until they do their job each and every year.

Another idea is to seat members of Congress without regard to party affiliation rather than have Democrats across the aisle from Republicans. This will encourage discussion and compromise.

Bills should be debated in committee but the rules should allow members vote in secret ballot to move legislation out of committee to the floor. Then vote on the record on the floor to pass or defeat the bill.

Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, who represents my district, voted for the measure in the House. I called his office the same day to thank him and would like to thank him again here.